St. Vincent de Paul | Louisville

The Courier Journal 04/21/2011

The Kentucky Exposition Center will serve as one of five official sites throughout the state to host a Governor’s Garden, which is part of Gov. Steve Beshear’s Green Team initiative.

First lady Jane Beshear along with Kentucky Future Farmers of America state officers, Central Hardin FFA members and representatives of St. Vincent de Paul’s Open Hand Kitchen in Louisville planted the spring garden Tuesday at the fairgrounds. The garden is in a grassy area near Gate 1 off Phillips Lane.

The Governor’s Garden initiative is intended to teach families and communities how to grow fresh fruits and vegetables in their backyards, providing access to fresh local produce, reducing grocery costs and promoting healthier eating habits.

Produce from the fairgrounds garden will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul’s Open Hand Kitchen, a nonprofit charitable organization that has been serving the poor in Louisville, Central Kentucky and Southern Indiana for 158 years. Men, women and children in St. Vincent de Paul’s homeless shelter and supportive housing programs will maintain the garden. [Correction: Will support and maintain the spring garden clients planted on the SVDP campus.]

Governor’s Gardens also will be planted at Berry Hill Mansion in Frankfort, at the Governor’s Mansion in Frankfort, at the Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center in Hardinsburg and at the Kentucky Horse Park near Lexington.